LBL announces Wildlife Refuge closures, winter schedule and free cedar Christmas trees

November 6, 2016 Press Release Community News

cedar treeWildlife Refuge Closures at Land Between the Lakes

LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES, KY/TN – On November 1, Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area closed nine wildlife refuges to human entry and all activities including hunting, fishing, and boating. These areas will remain closed through March 15, 2017. Closed areas are marked with buoys or signs.

The wildlife refuge closures include:

  • Portions of Duncan Bay, Smith Bay, and Rushing Bay on Kentucky Lake
  • Fulton Bay and Honker Bay on Lake Barkley
  • Western one-third of Energy Lake; All of Energy Lake and Bards Lake are closed to hunting; Eastern two-thirds of Energy Lake and all of Bards Lake remain open to fishing
  • Long Creek Refuge at the back of Elbow Bay
  • Hematite Lake and Honker Lake closed to fishing and boating; Trails open

Refuge closures provide undisturbed resting and feeding areas for waterfowl, shorebirds, and eagles. Human activity must be minimized while migratory birds are present. Staff at Land Between the Lakes asks for public cooperation with refuge regulations designed to provide needed sanctuary.

Hunters should be aware that hunting is not permitted within 150 yards of any Land Between the Lakes facility. Waterfowl hunting is not permitted within 200 yards of a refuge boundary.

Late Fall & Winter Operation Schedule at Land Between the Lakes

Visitor facilities at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area will begin late fall and winter operation schedules in November.

November:

December:

  • Golden Pond Planetarium
    • Open daily through Dec 23 and Dec 26-30
    • Closed Dec 24-25, Dec 31 and Jan 1
  • Golden Pond Visitor Center; Closed Christmas Day

December-February:

  • Homeplace 1850s Farm and Nature Station; Closed
  • Hillman Ferry, Energy Lake, and Piney campgrounds; Closed

January:

  • Golden Pond Visitor Center and Planetarium; Closed New Year’s Day
  • Golden Pond Planetarium; Re-opens 7-days a week Jan 2

Winter Programs:

Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Woodlands Nature Station will offer various guided programs, including the popular Bald Eagle Van and River Cruise Tours. Starting November 25, Planetarium visitors will experience vivid laser lights set to holiday music and other holiday shows digitally projected on a 40-foot dome. Groups of 10 or more can make reservations any time by calling 270-924-2020.

Open Year-round:

The Elk & Bison Prairie remains open year-round, dawn-to-dusk. Winter months offer the best chance to view elk, as the colder and shorter days draw them out later in the morning and earlier in the afternoon to feed.

Campers will find self-service fee camping areas and all basic camping facilities (Backcountry Camping) open throughout the winter. Wranglers Campground and Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area, as well as hiking and biking trails and Golden Pond Target Range, will also remain open throughout the winter unless inclement weather causes temporary closures for visitor safety. The Golden Pond Target Range will continue its Wednesday morning closures until 11am, to allow for safe clean-up and maintenance of the area

When planning a trip to Turkey Bay or Wranglers to trail ride during times of excessive wet conditions, it is recommended that visitors “Call Before You Haul.” Call 270-924-2000 and press 1 for updates on weather related closures, or check the Alerts page on the Land Between the Lakes official website.

Land Between the Lakes Offers Free Cedar Christmas Trees

Free cedar Christmas tree permits will be available online November 25-December 24, from Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Permits, maps, and cutting guidelines may be obtained online anytime at www.landbetweenthelakes.us/reservations.

Members of the public may also obtain a permit in person at the Administrative Office, 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday, November 28 through December 23.

A permit entitles a family to cut one cedar tree between November 25 and December 24. Cedar trees may be cut anywhere in Land Between the Lakes except:

  • Within sight of US68/KY80
  • Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway
  • Cemeteries
  • Nature Watch Areas
  • Campgrounds
  • Other mowed areas

“Taking the family out into the woods to look for the perfect Christmas tree is a great holiday tradition. Check along roadsides or within old forest openings to find your tree,” suggested Forester, Dennis Wilson. “The cedar tree program also helps Land Between the Lakes maintain open lands and promote diverse wildlife habitat.”

Trees must be cedar, less than 10 feet tall, and stumps must be less than 4 inches tall. Chain saws may be used. Use of trucks, winches, tractors, or other heavy equipment is prohibited. Cutting rules and regulations can be found at https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/links/ under Fact and Information Sheets.

Whether families cut or purchase a tree, they should follow these safety guidelines for choosing and using a cut tree in their home this Christmas.

  • Choose a fresh tree. If needles fall off easily, the tree is dry and can easily catch on fire.
  • When setting up your tree, cut the base off two inches above the original cut to help the tree absorb more water.
  • Place the tree in a stable, tip-proof container and water it daily.
  • Place the tree away from heat sources such as heating vents, wood stoves, or open flames.
  • Be sure decorative lights are UL approved and in good condition. Never leave tree lights on while asleep or away from home. LED lights are a great way to save energy.
  • Discard the tree when it begins to show signs of drying, such as brown or yellow coloration, or excessive needle dropping.

Cedar Christmas tree permits and regulations can be found at www.landbetweenthelakes.us/reservations. Call 270-924-2065 for more information.